Job 21:14
Job 21:14 in Multiple Translations
Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways.
Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
And they say unto God, Depart from us; For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
Though they said to God, Go away from us, for we have no desire for the knowledge of your ways.
Yet they tell God, ‘Get lost! We don't want anything to do with you.
They say also vnto God, Depart from vs: for we desire not the knowledge of thy wayes.
And they say to God, 'Turn aside from us, And the knowledge of Thy ways We have not desired.
They tell God, ‘Depart from us, for we don’t want to know about your ways.
Therefore they say to God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
Who have said to God: Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
While they are alive, they say to God, ‘Do not bother us; we do not want to know how you want us to conduct our lives!
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 21:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
לָ֭/אֵל
ס֣וּר
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
וְ/דַ֥עַת
דְּ֝רָכֶ֗י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
חָפָֽצְנוּ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לָ֭/אֵל
ʼêl
H410
god
Prep | N-ms
ס֣וּר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ/דַ֥עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
Conj | N-fs
דְּ֝רָכֶ֗י/ךָ
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חָפָֽצְנוּ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:14
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ֭/אֵל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
ס֣וּר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ/דַ֥עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
דְּ֝רָכֶ֗י/ךָ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָפָֽצְנוּ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
Study Notes — Job 21:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:14
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:14
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:14
- Sermons on Job 21:14
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
12singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute.
13They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace.
14Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways.
15Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ 16Still, their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 22:17 | They said to God, ‘Depart from us. What can the Almighty do to us?’ |
| 2 | Romans 8:7 | because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. |
| 3 | 2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 | and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. |
| 4 | Psalms 10:4 | In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God. |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:29 | For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. |
| 6 | John 15:23–24 | Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. |
| 7 | 2 Timothy 4:3–4 | For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. |
| 8 | John 3:19–20 | And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. |
| 9 | Psalms 10:11 | He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:22 | “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? |
Job 21:14 Summary
[This verse shows that some people don't want anything to do with God and don't care about following His ways. They want to be in charge of their own lives and make their own decisions, without considering what God wants. This is like what we see in Romans 1:21, where it says that people can know God but still choose to ignore Him. By rejecting God's ways, these people are essentially saying they don't need or want His love, guidance, or forgiveness, which is a sad and dangerous place to be, as warned in Psalm 9:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the wicked say to God, 'Leave us alone'?
This phrase indicates a desire to be free from God's authority and presence in their lives, similar to the attitude expressed in Psalm 10:11, where the wicked think God has forgotten them.
Why do the wicked have no desire to know God's ways?
The wicked often reject God's ways because they are opposed to their own selfish desires and sinful lifestyles, as seen in Romans 8:7, where it is written that the mind set on the flesh is hostile towards God.
Is it possible for someone to truly know God's ways without desiring a relationship with Him?
According to Jeremiah 9:24, those who know God's ways are those who know His justice, mercy, and faithfulness, and it is unlikely someone can truly understand these aspects without a genuine desire to know and follow Him.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse highlights the contrast between the wicked, who reject God's ways, and the righteous, like Job, who despite suffering, remain faithful and committed to following God, as seen in Job 13:15, where Job declares his trust in God even in the midst of great affliction.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be pushing God away or ignoring His presence in my life, and how can I invite Him back in?
- How do I respond when faced with the choice between following my own desires or following God's ways, and what scripture can I turn to for guidance?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a genuine desire to know God's ways, such as through prayer, Bible study, or obedience to His commands?
- How can I balance the desire for independence and self-sufficiency with the need for dependence on God, and what does Proverbs 3:5-6 teach about trusting in God's guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:14
Therefore they say unto God,.... While in health and life, amidst all their outward prosperity, and because of it; for worldly riches have this tendency, to make men proud and insolent, and not only
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:14
Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. Therefore - rather, And yet they are such as say, etc.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:14
Therefore; because of their constant prosperity. Heb. and, or yet. Though God be so gracious to them, yet they say and do thus to him. They say; sometimes in words, but commonly in their thoughts and affections, and the language of their lives: see 36:1,2 Mal 3:14,15 Titus 1:16. We desire not the knowledge of thy laws, much less the practice.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:14
Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.Ver. 14. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us] Lest any should think, saith Merlin here, that Job speaks of such wicked as used a moderation in sinning, and (as the historian said of the emperor) rather lacked vice than were virtuous. Magis extra vitia, quam cum virtutibus (Tacit.). He describeth their great impiety by a rhetorical imitation, expressing the language of their heart, which is most base and blasphemous. For first they speak of God as if he were some lowly prized scoundrel; Apage, be packing; thus they reject his acquaintance, and would be rid of his company. Porro reieciunt Deum quotquot verbum eius contemnunt, saith Brentius here; now they reject God who slight his word and cast his commands behind them, Psalms 50:17. Hence it follows by way of explanation, For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways] Lo, they profess themselves to be of the number of those, qui ut liberius peccent, libenter ignorant, who are wilfully ignorant, and like not to retain God in their knowledge, Romans 1:28; or, if they profess to know him, yet "in works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and to every good work reprobate," Titus 1:16. Wicked men cannot abide God; such is their evil heart of unbelief, Hebrews 3:12, they get as far from him as they can, with Cain, and not only desire him to depart out of their coasts, with those swinish Gergesites, but churlishly say unto him, as here, Avaunt! room for us. They will neither have God in their heads, Psalms 10:4, nor hearts, Psalms 14:1, nor words, Psalms 12:4, nor works, Titus 1:16. See this exemplified in those perverse Jews, lying children, children that would not hear the law of the Lord; which said to the seers, See not, - Get ye out of the way, turn aside out of the path; i.e. out of this tract of truth in dealing so plainly, and reproving us so roundly.
Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease before us, let us henceforth hear no more of him, Isaiah 30:10-11. Now for such miscreants as these, who can say it is otherwise than righteous that God should regest one day upon them, Depart from me, ye wicked? (He loves to retaliate.) And that they who now say unto him, We desire not the knowledge of thy ways, shall hear from him, "I tell you, I know you not," Luke 13:27.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:14
(14) Therefore they say unto God.—Should be, Yet they said unto God, Depart from us, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:14
Verse 14. They say unto God ] This is the language of their conduct, though not directly of their lips. Depart from us] Let us alone; we do not trouble thee. Thy ways are painful; we do not like cross-bearing. Thy ways are spiritual; we wish to live after the flesh. We have learned to do our own will; we do not wish to study thine.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:14
7–21. This great mystery of the prosperity of the wicked in God’s providence Job now unfolds on both its sides: first, they and all belonging to them prosper, and they die in peace, although in conscious godlessness they bade the Almighty depart from them, Job 21:7-16; and second, negatively, examples of calamity befalling them are few, Job 21:17-21.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:14
Therefore - This would seem to indicate that the “result” of their living in this manner was that they rejected God, or that one of the consequences of their being prospered would be that they would
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:14
14. Therefore — Better, And yet they say unto God. Depart from us — This is the practical language of all irreligious life; the language of God at the last day is retributively the same, Depart from me.
Sermons on Job 21:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
An Alarm to the Unconverted 2 of 5 by Joseph Alleine | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination and the danger of being deceived about one's spiritual state. He challenges the listeners to honestly ass |
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The Misery of Those Who Lose the Saints' Rest by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter delivers a powerful sermon warning about the consequences of rejecting Christ and living in sin, emphasizing the eternal separation from God and the everlasting torm |
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Heaven Would Be a Very Hell by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for an unholy heart, heaven would feel like hell due to its purity and holiness, which are contrary to their desires. He points out that while unholy |
|
Man's Dislike of a Present God. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar addresses the tendency of worldly men to reject the presence of God, as illustrated in Job 21:14, where they express a desire for God to depart from them. He explain |
|
The Careless Sinner Awakened by Philip Doddridge | Philip Doddridge preaches about the neglect of religion in the world, addressing those who may be neglecting their relationship with God despite not being grossly vicious, urging t |
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K-197 the Anatomy of Sin Part One by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of removing a television from their home due to the negative influence it had on their children. They emphasize the importa |
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How to Change Your Heart by Charles Finney | In this sermon, the preacher urges the listeners to cease their rebellion against God and enlist in the service of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus has come to destroy the wo |